Hi Liz,

Did you ever get a chance to look at the birth record for Bernard Cain Liverpool 1895 Vol 8b, Pg 35? To see whether it says he was born in New York, even though registered in England? The 1901 census said he was born in Liverpool, but the 1911 census entry was very explicit. As well as his birthplace being given as "New York USA", Column 15 (Nationality) has "British Subject by Parentage".

Carol couldn't find anything in USA records, saying the "time frame is the dead zone in USA records. No 1890 census. New York records are about the worst" and that she would be happy to have another look if you can get more information from his birth cert.

Re. "mother" Bridget Doherty in 1911, that was mother of Bridget Cain who was head of the household because her husband Bernard was away.

In 1871 Dennis Doherty's wife was given as Hannah aged 22, and as Dennis was head of household the children were listed as his children: Margaret 6, Bridget 4, Mary 1, and John Thos 7 days. Under these children were listed Bridget Doherty 22 widow, boarder, who I thought could have been Dennis's sister-in-law or other relative, and Fanny M Doherty daur 1 b.Lancs who I thought might be Bridget's daughter, being listed under her entry, rather than Dennis's.

If Hannah died then perhaps he married Bridget (except that she was also the wrong age for the mother Bridget in 1911).

Do you have Bridget's birth cert 1866/67 to see her mother's name? I couldn't see it in the Cheshire records.

Sue